Jose Enrique has challenged Liverpool to reach the Premier League's top four by the end of January.

Brendan Rodgers' side climbed into the top half of the table for the first time this season after winning 3-2 at West Ham on Sunday.

Liverpool are tenth but only four points off fourth place, which would bring qualification for next season's Champions League.

They face Aston Villa and Fulham at home in their next two games, followed by successive away trips to Stoke and QPR, and then kick off 2013 against Sunderland at Anfield.

Enrique, 26, believes that run of games offers the Merseysiders a great chance to move closer to the top four, and told the Liverpool Echo: "We have two games at home now and we'll try to win them both.

"We're just four points behind the Champions League places, and we have a big chance to be there before January finishes.

"We have to take it step by step. We are close now to the top four. We have beaten good teams this season. The teams at the top have been losing a lot of games, so we have a chance.
Then, if we can get some good players in the transfer window, maybe we can do something."

The left-back is a doubt to face Villa at Anfield on Saturday after being forced off with a hamstring injury during the first half at West Ham.

"I am OK but I don't know if I'll be ready for the game," he added. "I've had some treatment, and I hope I can be fit."